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If Hosting Makes You Cranky, These 31 Problem-Solvers Will Probably Make You Nicer To Be Around

Maybe you’ll find yourself throwing more parties with these useful-as-heck products.

Posted on Oct 9, 2026 UTC

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by Daphne Ruiz BuzzFeed BuzzFeed Staff

I’m a Shopping Fellow who has scored a lot of holy grails from BuzzFeed Shopping over the years, and I’m eager to pay it forward.

1. A sheet of dissolvable drink markers, because helping guests track down their drinks all night...doesn't sound like fun. Unlike messy markers or awkward wine charms, you can peel, press, and stick these on a glass. And at the end of the party, you can just put your glasses in the dishwasher or handwash them, and poof, the drink markers dissolve. 

GlassTats

GlassTats is a small business founded by two friends who wanted to make hosting parties a little easier with dissolvable drink markers. 

Promising review: “These were fantastic! Everyone had fun choosing which one to put on their glass.” —DiFi

Get the set from Amazon for $14.99(available in two styles).

2. A leakproofOxo salad dressing shaker with measurement markings so you can mix, shake, and serve dressing from the same container, instead of mixing everything in its own bowl and then setting out a serving bowl with a spoon. The specially designed lid keeps it mess-free when you shake, and the pour spout makes it super easy for everyone to serve themselves. Fewer dishes, spills, and drips of dressing all over your beautifully arranged table? Yes, please. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This is a favorite in our house. The pour spout seals tightly and allows for vigorous shaking to mix ingredients. We eat a lot of salads, so we make a lot of salad dressings. This shaker makes a little or a lot, so it's perfect for two people or for a dinner party. We tend to be pretty informal, so it goes on the table with the bowl of salad. No drips! The edge of the pour spout 'cuts' the flow of the dressing, so no accidents. This is so much better than any other dressing shaker I have ever found." —Maine shopper

Get it from Amazon for $14.39. 

3. A kid-size kitchen apron to protect the clothes of the little helper who wants to jump in as a sous chef during your dinner party prep. Let them stir, sprinkle, and “help” without you worrying about marinara sauce splatters showing up on their outfit.

B. YELLOWTAIL

You can also get the matching adult-sized apron, plus the matching kitchen towel, oven mitt, and pot holder set, here. 

B. YELLOWTAIL is an Indigenous woman-owned fashion and lifestyle brand specializing in authentic native design. 

Get it from B. YELLOWTAIL for $29 (available in one size that's adjustable from Toddler 4T to Girls XL).

4. A pack ofBissell Stomp ’N Go stain-removing pads so you can deal with a carpet spill without getting on your hands and knees to scrub it in the middle of dinner. Put one over the spot, step on it to release the cleaner, and let it work while you smile and tell your guests that dropping the gravy all over your new rug is "no big deal." 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "For years, I have used a Bissell Spot Clean machine, and that worked great. But it was a pain to take out every time my cat got sick. I also didn't like the little 'UFO circles' that the machine left...but it was worth it instead of the stain. Then I saw these and decided to give them a try. They are WONDERFUL! So easy to use and very effective. I do leave the pads down for about 24 hours just to be sure. These have been a great time saver!" —DLM

Get a pack of 20 from Amazon for $34.74.

5. A bottle of Poo-Pourri to keep bathroom odors from lingering when a bunch of people have to use the same toilet all night. Guests can spray it before they go, so you don’t have to keep running in there with an air freshener every time someone comes out.

Amazon

Promising review: "I always keep this on hand in our guest bathroom as well as our master bathroom. When guests are in my home, I want them to feel comfortable in every way possible, and I think providing a bottle of this on the back of our guest toilet adds to their comfort. I know it can be embarrassing when attending a dinner party or casual gathering of friends where there is only one bathroom available for guest use. You want to leave it 'pleasant' for whoever might be waiting in line to use it after you finish. A little pump of this in the toilet bowl gives that assurance. You can even stick a bottle in your purse when visiting someone else’s home…just in case they don’t provide a bottle for their guest bath."—Kentucky girl

Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in six sizes and a variety of scents).

6. A set of mini wooden place-card holders with kraft cards to label everything on the buffet, so guests know what they’re looking at without asking you to personally identify every dish. They’re especially useful when you’ve got dietary restrictions to flag or two things that look similar but aren't. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

You'll get 12 card holders and 24 kraft cards. If you want something less rustic, these gold placecard holdersare fabulous. 

Promising review: "Used stamps and stickers to decorate the signs to label food at a party—critical if you have gluten-free options for bread and such. Also, thankful for extra blank cards because I made mistakes with the stamps. Got lots of compliments. Highly recommend for a party!" —SammyinCO

Get it from Amazon for $11.99. 

7. A disposable chafing dish set that keeps dinner hot as people take their sweet time getting to the buffet. The warmers will keep you from hauling dishes back into the kitchen to reheat them while everyone else is still deciding what to grab from the table. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I used this for a big family gathering, and it was such a lifesaver! Everything was easy to set up — no fussing with complicated equipment — and the dishes warmed the food nicely throughout the event. The disposable trays and fuel holders made cleanup really simple, which I loved after a long day of cooking and entertaining. —Vanessa Scott

Get it from Amazon for $37.99.

8. Aseven-piece buffet caddyto corral all the grab-and-go dinner essentials without letting them take over the serving table. It uses vertical space to keep everything easy to find, which also cuts down on people interrupting you to ask where the forks are.

Amazon

Promising review: "This will be awesome when having large dinner parties and barbecues. It's perfect for saving counter space. I like that the pieces easily stack together, and you don't have to dig out a screwdriver to assemble. I also like how it all fits together compactly for storage. It seems good quality. Be sure to keep the box for storage. It doesn't take up much space. I'm thinking of buying another for a gift." —Helpful Hannah

Get it from Amazon for $49.99 (available in silver or black).

9. A one-button electric wine openerfor that cork-popping moment when everyone's eyes are on you, and you don't want to be seen struggling with a manual corkscrew or worse, googling how to open a bottle of wine without one. This handy gadget grabs the cork with the push of a button, removing one hosting faux pas from your plate. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This electric wine opener makes opening bottles so much easier and faster compared to manual corkscrews. It’s rechargeable, comes with a stand, and the foil cutter works well. The charge lasts through several bottles, so you don’t have to recharge constantly. It feels sturdy, looks sleek on the counter, and has become my go-to for dinner parties and nights when I just want to pour a glass without any struggle. One small note: it works best if you hold the bottle steady on a flat surface while pressing the button — otherwise the cork can tilt slightly." —Ashley Marie

Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in two colors).

10. A wash-and-drain dish basin to give dirty dishes a designated place to pile up that isn't your entire sink halfway through dinner. You can keep the mess contained in here, so your sink stays usable for everything you still need to rinse, fill, or wash. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I bought this to replace a collapsible rubber pan that kept getting moldy. This pan is so much better. It has legs that are high enough to keep water from sitting under it and causing mold and gunk residue. It's fairly lightweight, but the hard material makes it feel sturdy. The drain works perfectly - no leaks- and is easy to click open or closed. The size is generous enough for most of my pots and pans. It's a thoughtfully designed dishpan that makes my dishwashing a little less of a chore." —Janet

Get it from Amazon for $16.77.

11. A set of collapsible, disposable trash cans — you can place them wherever people might leave empty cups and paper plates, like on end tables or outdoor patio tables. This gives guests a place to toss things as they go, so you have far less garbage to collect after the party's over.

amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I got these for my daughter's graduation party to keep food and traffic outside rather than inside — and they were absolutely perfect! Sturdy enough to handle the job, yet lightweight and compact for easy cleanup. Best of all, I was able to reuse them for my son's birthday, making this a fantastic two-for-one purchase. Considering the price and how much time they saved me on cleanup, this was an absolute win!" —ashley

Get a pack of four from Amazon starting at $17.99+ (available in white, marble, and black gradient and in packs of eight).

12. Atwist-bottom flower vasefor refreshing the centerpiece when the flowers start looking tired right before company comes over. The base lets you drain the water and reach the stems without pulling apart the whole arrangement just to trim them.

Amazon

Check out a TikTok of the twist-off vase in action. 

Promising review: "Most genius vase. The flowers last so much longer because you can change the water and snip the stems to keep bacteria from growing and killing your flowers. It’s also beautiful as a vase itself, super modern and chic." —Eliezer Labkowsky

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+(available in six colors and two sizes). 

13. A pair ofinsulated 6-gallon beverage tubs, because you're gonna want guests to grab their own bottles and cans instead of opening your refrigerator every time they want something to drink. With tubs, you'll also free up space in your crowded fridge by pulling out all those drinks, and also save yourself the headache of Tetris-ing your leftovers. 

Amazon

Promising review: "These galvanized beverage tubs are fantastic! The 6-gallon size is perfect for holding plenty of drinks, and the set of two makes them super versatile for parties, BBQs, or family gatherings. They’re sturdy, well-made, and have a nice rustic look that goes with any outdoor or indoor décor. I love how well they keep drinks cold when filled with ice, and the size is generous without being too bulky to move around. The galvanized finish is durable and easy to clean, which makes them practical as well as stylish. Great value for the quality and quantity — highly recommend for entertaining or even as decorative storage!" —Connor Gaines

Get it from Amazon for $59(available in packs of two and six). 

14. A set of washable guest slippers so guests won't complain about walking barefoot or in mismatched socks because of your no-shoes rule. You can keep them by the entrance in a cute basket to make taking off your shoes feel a little luxurious. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These 12 pairs of house slippers were a fantastic purchase! They’re soft, lightweight, and perfect for making guests feel welcome and comfortable. The sizing is generous enough to fit a range of feet, and the material feels cozy without being too warm. They’re also easy to clean and store, which is a big plus for repeat use. Whether you're hosting a party, running an Airbnb, or just want to keep your home clean and cozy, this set is an excellent choice. Great value for the price!" —MrClay

Get 12 pairs from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in nine colors).

15. A lidded period-product organizerthat helps you avoid hunting down a pad or tampon when guests ask for one. When you stock it and put it somewhere in your bathroom, guests can easily find what they need, and their request won't distract you from your other hosting duties. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I bought this to keep products organized, and it’s perfect. It looks nice on the counter, the lid keeps everything looking tidy, and the inside has enough space to store a good amount without being bulky. It’s also a nice touch for guests — everything is available without being out in the open. Love the design, and it feels sturdier than I expected." —Chase

Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in three colors and multipacks).

16. A five-compartment condiment traywith room for ice underneath so you can keep all the taco, burger, or sundae toppings in one station instead of covering the counter with little bowls. You’ll have less servingware to deal with and can maybe collapse on your bed post-party a little sooner. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

This tray includes five removable containers, three spoons, three tongs, and one scoop. 

Promising review: "I finally bought this for our last party. It was a nice way to put out lemons, limes, olives, and cherries for our cocktails. The lid helped keep bugs off, and I felt like it looked really nice having everything organized." —bethysue

Get it from Amazon for $24.99.

17. A set ofthree lidded glass carafes to prep your adult drink mixes before the doorbell starts ringing. You can chill them in the fridge, bring them straight to the table, and let everyone mix their own instead of making you the designated drink attendant. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Each carafe holds 35 ounces (1 liter). 

Promising review: "I have slowly been building my collection of hosting supplies. This was my latest addition. I absolutely love these. I add juice or water to them and chill them in the fridge before hosting. When it's time for the party, I put them out on the serving table, and people can help themselves. I love the shape and look of them, and the caps for storage. Really easy to clean too." —Ryan Logsdon

Get a set of three from Amazon for $26.95. 

18. And a pair ofdrink dispenserswith spigots that can make a bigger batch of lemonade, iced tea, or whatever, completely self-serve. People can refill their own glasses all night rather than having to find you every time they’re thirsty.

amazon.com

The stand is included.

Promising review: "Really like these drink dispensers. The glass feels thick and sturdy, and the stainless-steel spigot is a big plus — it pours smoothly and doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy. The stand keeps everything stable and looks nice on the counter. I’ve used them for lemonade and infused water and had no leaks so far. Great for gatherings or everyday use." —Alex

Get a set of two from Amazon for $37.99.

19. And a silicone drip tray, so you get the convenience of a drink station without having to excuse yourself to wipe down the table every few minutes. The tray catches drips, splashes, and any overly enthusiastic pours that come with letting everyone serve themselves.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This worked well with the drink dispensers I purchased at Walmart and under the stand I purchased through Amazon. No more drink dripping on the table, ugly plates, or paper towels to catch the drips. Best part: it's washable, so I will be using it again and again! Perfect for parties or even fancy gatherings. Made to last and the perfect thickness." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in three colors and in packs of one, two, and six). 

20. A three-tier serving stand that stacks appetizers and desserts instead of letting several platters eat up the entire table. You get more room for the rest of the food, and the stand comes apart to store flat once you’ve cleared the table.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Absolute life saver. Very cute, super sturdy, dishwasher safe (as opposed to the melamine stuff), stores flat. If you are a hostess with the mostess, this is a must-have for your repertoire. Trays are super sturdy and thick. Not bone white, they do have a tint of cream to them, but barely noticeable. Great value." —Heatherrenea

Get it from Amazon for $37.99 (available in two sizes and four colors).

21. A handmade bread-warming stone and wicker basketfor the rolls you just took out of the oven and then forgot about while answering the door. You can heat the terra-cotta stone ahead of time, tuck the bread into the basket, and it'll stay nice and warm as everyone arrives. 

Gift Shop by Korissa / Etsy

Gift Shop by Korissais a New York-based small business established in 2019 that specializes in responsibly handmade goods. 

Promising review: "Really beautiful piece and such a great Christmas or housewarming gift. Bought for my daughter who loves to cook and entertain." —Kimberly Clark 

Get it from Gift Shop by Korissa on Etsy for $49.52 (available in seven styles).

22. A Wi-Fi password signto forgo the most predictable question of the night. I recommend putting it out before anyone arrives so guests can connect without having to track you down while you’re cooking, serving, and hosting. And this one is super cute. 

Amazon

Promising review: "If you constantly have guests/run a business/rentals, this is a great solution. It’s simple, cute, and comes with command strips for hanging. It does not come with a writing tool. It is not a true chalkboard material/paint. A chalk pen would work, but I don’t think it would wipe off; it's more like a small wood block painted black. We used a metallic Sharpie." —Feliciana Moreno

Get it from Amazon for $8.98 (available in eight styles).

23. A five-port charging station so everyone can charge their phones without anyone asking if they can unplug your Crock-Pot for "just a minute." It can charge up to five devices at once, and with seven charging cords, you can also help any guest who forgot their iPhone or Android charger, since it's compatible with both. ✨

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I am highly, highly impressed! Two charging cables for iPhones, two for Android, and one other! I charge my daughter's iPad, my phone, and my selfie light, and I thought that by adding too many things it wouldn’t charge fast!! 🤣 I was so wrong! It’s super fast charging! I love that you can put everything in the little compartment and it holds so well! It’s nicely organized, and I don’t have to deal with 20,000 cables and plugs because my kids are constantly misplacing them. They come and take my charger and then misplace mine, too! So now this is the perfect solution! We have an Android and an iPhone, so this is even better. I had a birthday party last weekend, and someone asked for a charger- I pointed at the charging station and was told, "Wow, that’s so awesome!" 😏 I know it is! Now we have no more missing chargers. Everything can be charged at one time- this is seriously a game changer! Definitely the best purchase I’ve made in a while!" —Susan

Get it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in six colors). 

24. An absorbent, dirt-trapping entryway mat that catches whatever is on everyone’s shoes before they bring it into the rest of your home. Placing it at the door can help prevent the mud and grit that will be a pain to clean up after a party. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This rug is high quality. It doesn’t slip or move when wiping our feet, and the profile is low, yet it has a cushy feel. It had a few areas that needed steam ironing, but those flattened right out. I followed their instructions for ironing. I wet a towel, squeezed it out, placed it on the rug, and ironed with a pretty hot iron. Do not iron directly on the rug, or it may melt. Love this rug. five stars!" —Dr. Chuck Grudem

Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in seven colors and six sizes). 

25. A set of absorbent cork coasters you can scatter around before the drinks come out, giving guests a handy place to park a sweaty glass. Your furniture gets a little protection without you having to eagle-eye where everyone sets their drink.

Amazon

Promising review: "These are great coasters. I got them because I was having a party and wanted my guests to be able to easily help themselves to coasters to use throughout the house. They worked exactly that way and looked nice and unobtrusive with the cork holder. I really liked this set!" —Misty McKinnon

Get it from Amazon for $11.99.

26. A vanilla bean odor-eliminating candlefor overnight guests who might walk into the kitchen and complain about the funky smell from last night's caramelized Brussels sprouts. And you know that's going to put you in a ~mood~. Luckily, this nifty candle reacts to and bonds with offensive odors instead of just masking them, and it smells delicious. 

www.amazon.com

Dianne's Custom Candles is a small business specializing in odor-eliminating, luxury candles and diffusers. 

Promising review: "We have ordered this product many times and highly recommend it. The vanilla bean scent is very pleasing and not overpowering. Most importantly, it is extremely effective at removing kitchen odors after cooking. We find it especially helpful to use it right after preparing fish, onions, or other foods with strong, lingering smells. Not only is it a good value, but one candle will last a long time, even when burned quite frequently." —PaulH

Get it from Amazon for $15.75+ (also available in 18 scents and in sets of two). 

27. A pet-hair removal rake that gets your couch and rugs guest-ready after your fur children have left fur everywhere. It's infinitely reusable, so you can run it over upholstered surfaces before guests arrive, as many times as you need. Its compact size also makes it easy to store, unlike the lint rollers and handheld vacuums you'd be using otherwise. 

www.amazon.com

Uproot Clean is a small business that specializes in tools for more efficient and easier cleaning. 

Promising review: "I've had this handy cleaner for over two years, and it's still working great. I didn't notice until now that the seller had sent me a message while the product was in transit with helpful instructions on how to use it properly. Even though I didn't see the message until now, I still found it was easy to use and definitely makes a difference. I have two cats and one dog that shed [a lot], and thanks to this tool, I can clean up the hair quickly from the furniture, and guests compliment me on how clean my furniture is. It is a game changer, and I highly recommend it! I did buy a larger one for carpets, which was a totally different brand, thinking it would be just as great, but it wasn't. I would definitely buy this brand since it is tried and true and still works perfectly after two years. Definitely a good investment!" —Sammy Jo

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (also available in a set of two). 

28. A 50-pack of takeout containersso you can portion your lasagna for anyone who wants to take it home. You won't have to sacrifice your own containers or try to wedge a bunch of serving dishes into the fridge. And since they're leak-proof, durable, and microwave-safe, your guests might appreciate reusing them for other occasions, too. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "As I do every year, I hosted Thanksgiving — just love all the special family time! Hosted for 30 and cooked and baked for 100! An invitation to my house comes with the understanding that you are NOT going home empty-handed; no one complains.... I've tried all different ways to send folks home with leftovers, but this year I think I hit it out of the park! I bought these; they arrived quickly, and for 50 sets, it was a nice and compact case. Space is always at a premium! When it was time to pack up, put these out, people lined up, and it was a very efficient leftover line! These are a great quality plastic, and the lids fit perfectly and effortlessly! That's how I know quality, well-fitting lids. Many commented that they made individual meals in each one of these perfectly-sized 24 oz containers to bring to work the next day and to have for dinner - even received feedback the next day that, when microwaved, these kept their shape AND didn't give the food any 'plastic' taste. Well worth the good price!!!" —Herminio & Karen Ilag 

Get it from Amazon for $25.98+ (available in four sizes).

29. A copy of Small Batch Cookies by Edd Kimber for anyone who wants to take Martha Stewart’s hosting advice and make cookies from scratch for a small dinner party, but most recipes are for bake sales. The recipes are scaled for one to six people, so you can still serve something homemade without making a bunch of cookies no one wants to take home. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Purchased another of his cookbooks. One recipe was worth the price in that one, so I took a chance. He has some very good recipes. What is helpful is the smaller batches so we aren’t trashing stale bakes after a couple of days. Highly recommend." —Kat

Get it from Amazon for $14.54.  

30. A set of tabletop fly fans that can keep bugs off the food at an outdoor dinner without making you spend the meal swatting at everything that comes near the table. You can put them around the spread and let the *quiet* spinning blades handle bug patrol while you eat. They also stop instantly if they touch anything bigger than a fly, so hands reaching for the mashed potatoes are safe. 

amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Love these fly fans; originally ordered four last year and added four more this year. Work great for outdoor get-togethers. Looks nice on banquet tables. When using them around chafing dishes, I do put them on risers for more height. Otherwise, they work wonderfully by platters. The blades don’t cut if you accidentally hit them. Store them nicely and neatly out of the way to be used later. I’ve had several friends ask where to get them. If you do any outdoor parties, I recommend getting them." —Carol

Get a set of four from Amazon for $24.99.  

31. A "We're Not Really Strangers" card game to save the night from that post-dinner lull where everyone starts scrolling through their phones or segmenting off into little groups. You can bring everyone back together with three levels of questions that get deeper as you play, plus “wild cards” and “dig deeper” cards to keep things interesting. The two modes — “play safe” and “play to grow” — can also take your party from coworker-friendly to a soul-baring soiree. 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Check out a TikTok of "We're Not Really Strangers" in action. 

We're Not Really Strangers is a US-based small business specializing in purpose-driven, relationship-building card games to help foster human connection. 

Promising review: "If you want a stronger bond with someone, please play this game with them. You will get to know them on another level. I love how there are levels to how deep you want to get with one another. Mostly every question is really interesting and can bring out one hell of a conversation, laughter, or even tears." —Khoa Tran

Get it from Amazon for $25+ (also available in five other styles for couples, adults, family, self-love, and friendship!)

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